Former Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down after a spinal cord injury during a 2010 football game. I want to share with you his inspiring story of recovery. Paralysis is a condition that affects 5.6 million people, many of whom are able to achieve fulfilling and active lives. Eric has recently finished his college degree in labor studies, a huge milestone in his recovery. At the time of his injury, LeGrand was 60 credits short of graduation. He began attending one class at a time via Skype as soon as he was able, leading to …
Many patients come to me concerned about waking up with back pain caused by a “bad mattress” or uncomfortable sleeping position. This is often indicative of an underlying disk problem or arthritic condition. Even those without a spinal diagnosis or chronic pain can experience an achy back or neck after a night of sleep. What’s worse is that a lack of sleep can actually cause more sensitivity to pain and make mild back pain feel more severe. In general, we recommend a firm mattress with a pillow-top cushion layer for comfort. Back pain from sleeping is caused when strain is put …
As the New Year begins and my patients are getting back into their routines, I’ve heard a number of healthy living resolutions for 2014. From cutting out junk food to making it to the gym every morning, my patients are focused on living their most healthy 2014. Resolutions can be difficult to stick to, but I wanted to show you five easy ways to change your habits for a happier and healthier new year. Sit tall.Whether you’re sitting at your desk, on a plane, or in the car, proper posture can help reduce strain on your back and minimize unnecessary …
With the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics just around the corner and the recent heavy snowfall on the East Coast, it’s certain that many people are engaging in all types of outdoor winter activities. From skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and sledding, the wintertime can help make wonderful memories with friends and family. Unfortunately, these activities can also carry the risk of injury – note the recent, tragic example of Formula 1 racer Michael Schumacher, who suffered brain injury when he fell and struck a rock while skiing. He was wearing a helmet, but currently remains in a medically induced …
With winter upon us in New York City, many of us will be tasked with shoveling snow at some point during the season. Please exercise caution, as snow shoveling is one of the more common causes of back injuries during the winter. This is because most people rarely do this kind of physical work on a regular basis. When shoveling snow, it’s important to follow a few common-sense precautions and techniques to prevent injury and low back pain. To ensure efficiency and safety, there is a proper way to shovel snow. First and foremost, it’s best to use the proper …
With the holidays just around the corner, I thought I’d take a moment to share some of the best gifts for the loved ones in your life who unfortunately suffer from back pain. Give the gift of comfort this season and encourage your friends and family to keep their backs healthy and strong. Backjoy is an easily transportable seat that you can use in the car, in the office, on a plane, and anywhere else you find yourself sitting down. The ergonomic design makes sitting more comfortable and offers long-lasting consistent support. The patented innovative design comes in a variety …
In a recent study, researchers found that women who have flat feet, a common condition, are 50 percent more likely to have pain in their lower back as opposed to those with normal or high arches. This study is the first of its kind to make a significant connection between low back pain and flat feet. Published in the journal Rheumatology, the study examined both men and women, measuring each subject’s arch in the standing position and how pressure was distributed on the foot while walking. To confirm and expand the findings, future studies will likely follow participants with …
Contrary to popular knowledge, scoliosis does not exclusively affect adolescents. Many people experience scoliosis for the first time as older adults, and in a recent New York Times Well Blog post, long-time health journalist Jane Brody shared her own experience with this condition. Also known as degenerative scoliosis, this condition occurs most frequently in people over 65. In a study by orthopedists at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, 68 percent of healthy volunteers over age 60 had spinal deformities that met the definition of scoliosis. Degenerative scoliosis is caused by a gradual deterioration of the disks and facet …
On a recent episode of Charlie Rose, James Levine, Musical Director of the Metropolitan Opera, spoke about his return to conducting after a two-year absence. Following multiple health issues, most recently a fall that damaged a vertebra which left him with no feeling in his legs, he now conducts from a motorized wheelchair. It was back in March that he made his debut – and received a standing ovation due to his remarkable recovery. Levine, 70, has worked with the Met since 1971, and during that time he has unfortunately experienced multiple health issues, including surgery in 2009 and again …
In a recent study published by The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that despite some controversy, bracing adolescents with scoliosis can work to prevent the need for surgery. This study is especially noteworthy since physicians, including myself, have recommended bracing for decades – but to date, there has been controversy about effectiveness. Scoliosis is defined as a curvature in the normally straight spine. This condition occurs primarily in adolescents; approximately three percent of Americans at age 16 have scoliosis, usually girls. Scoliosis is diagnosed by physical exam and x-ray to measure the degree of the curve. For curves …
